Head coach Gary Owers expects to swell his Torquay United squad with at least two more outfield players and one goalkeeper by this weekend, when the club’s new-look squad reports for pre-season training.

The Gulls’ boss, who added winger Jason Banton and experienced midfielder Asa Hall to his roster towards the end of last week, is still chasing players in all departments.

“We will hopefully have at least two more players in by the end of the week, and I am also negotiating with two very good goalkeepers, and I hope to get one, if not both,” reported Owers.

Negotiations are also continuing with attacking left-back Liam Davis over the deal he was offered at the end of last season.

Owers has continued to pursue transfer targets throughout a holiday which ends later this week, while detailed negotiations have also been handled by head of recruitment Dave Hedges.

“It’s a very busy time,” said Hedges. “Quite a few of the players we approached at the end of the season are coming back to us now and wanting to sign.

“The pendulum has swung a bit, but we know exactly the sort of players, and the sort of characters, we want and we’re determined to get them.

“We all know what’s at stake next season and what the aim is.”

Read More

As things stand, United have 10 senior players signed up, but they include transfer-listed duo Josh Gowling and Jon-Paul Pittman.

United have undertaken an internal inquiry into claims by Gowling, via his Twitter account, that he had been threatened with a club fine if he attends the forthcoming funeral of a close friend’s father.

Gowling has acceded to the club’s request to delete the tweet, and Owers is expected to conclude the matter on his return.